Embedded Files
Research activities focus on advancing thermocatalytic energy technologies through a fully integrated reaction engineering approach. This framework combines material science, reactor design, separation strategies, mechanistic investigations and process intensification and design towards efficient energy systems.
Research fields
Hydrogen production, utilisation, integration & storage
Hydrogen production, utilisation, integration & storage
H₂ is a key industrial raw material and is increasingly recognised as a promising energy carrier and fuel. Our current research focuses on sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based hydrogen production, specifically through thermochemical conversion of biomass and steam. In addition, attention is given to the utilisation of hydrogen’s energy content (combustion or electrification techniques) and its integration into energy systems. Hydrogen distribution and storage to liquid energy carriers (NH₃, CH₃OH) and solids (hydrides) is also of interest.
Carbon dioxide capture & (in situ) catalytic conversion
Carbon dioxide capture & (in situ) catalytic conversion
CO₂ is a major greenhouse gas and is continuously emitted through anthropogenic activities, requiring urgent mitigation. Our research efforts are centered on CO₂ capture processes based on gas–solid reactions operating at intermediate (200–500 °C) and high (>500 °C) temperatures. In parallel, we are interested in the catalytic conversion of CO₂ into high-value chemicals and fuels (e.g. CH₃OH, CH₄, olefins). A major objective is to develop integrated technologies that can capture CO₂ and convert it in situ into valuable products, mitigating transport and storage steps.
Process intensification by combining reaction and separation in multifunctional reactors
Process intensification by combining reaction and separation in multifunctional reactors
The efficiency of chemical and energy conversion technologies can be enhanced through process intensification strategies. One example is the integration of multiple reactions within a single vessel, where a primary reaction generates both a desired product and a by-product that is simultaneously consumed or separated through a secondary reaction. According to Le Chatelier’s principle, the continuous removal of a product shifts the equilibrium of the primary reaction, toward higher conversion and yield and thus efficiency.
Process intensification represents a central approach in our group for the development of advanced chemical processes and reactor systems. Current efforts focus on the design of novel materials (catalysts and sorbents for CO₂, H₂O, acid emissions) and chemical looping technologies, supported by experimental proof-of-concept studies as well as feasibility and performance analysis through computational modeling and simulation.
Facilities
We are hosted within the Birmingham Centre for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research (CHCHR), benefiting from access to its various facilities and equipment. Our goal is to step-by-step build a lab with necessary equipment for catalysts synthesis and characterisation and evaluation of performance with bench-scale rigs.
Aalborg mass flow controllers to feed gas components in a reactor containing a catalyst or material
VECSTAR tubular furnace that can react up to 1000 degrees Celsius to evaluate the activity of catalysts and materials
Cirrus mass spectrometer to analyse the composition of gas components in the reactor outlet
Shimadzu Gas Chromatograph equipped with TCD detector to analyse offline the composition of samples
CARBOLITE furnace to calcine catalysts and materials after synthesis at temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius
NETZSCH thermogravimetric analyser to perform temperature programmed analysis on solids
Our group is always keen to develop new collaborations and share our expertise and facilities with both academic and industrial partners. If you are interested to work together, please get in touch with Dr Theodoros Papalas (t.papalas@bham.ac.uk).
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse